WHO WE ARE

I want to live and work in a community where people are prosperous. Healthy, wealthy, and happy people prosper. In my studies, travels, and work I have come to know and understand how impact focused businesses, nonprofits, and entrepreneurs have helped create prosperous communities. It is my passion to see a prosperous Alaska fueled by entrepreneurs and nonprofits committed to equity and social responsibility. I use my knowledge, and experience in financial analysis, strategy, and governance to support nonprofits, small businesses, and social entrepreneurs achieve their vision. I am a certified co-op developer. I champion the use of worker owned cooperative enterprise models for small business startups and exits because of their potential to build community wealth.

The common thread throughout my professional and personal journey has been the empowerment of people. I have done this through study and experience working with diverse populations in human service and educational organizations in Alaska, California, Colorado, and most recently in South Dakota. This work has provided me a strong background in communications, human relations, leadership training, program development and evaluation, and problem-solving. Supporting social entrepreneurs are of special interest to me because of the outcomes they produce. I am a Certified trainer for Person-Centered Practice and Organizations through the International Learning Community. Committed to supporting people, organizations and cultures to develop their own economic identity and value.

I am currently attending Georgetown University pursuing my master's degree in Global Human Development. My career aspirations are to work at the intersection of impact investing, social entrepreneurship, financial inclusion, and SME growth. Prior to that, I did an AmeriCorps year of service as a job training developer at Catholic Social Services, Refugee Assistance and Immigration services. This was my most fulfilling job yet because I made a difference in people’s lives every day. It was great seeing refugees learn about different jobs, gain employment and become economically self-sufficient. I have also worked in Sales, HR & Logistics Management in private corporations and at UAA as an advisor in the TRIO Upward Bound Program. I love empowering people and seeing them grow and reach their full potential. 

I enjoy working with diverse teams to solve problems, accomplish objectives and improve profitability for businesses in all industries and in all stages of the business life cycle. I worked as an Engineer in the U.S. Marine Corps, founded and grew an international company headquartered in southern Japan, worked in the non-profit sector in Alaska developing a social enterprise which led to self-sustainability and economic strength for mission-based organizations. I have also led a team of professional consultants providing strategic and financial strategies to businesses at University of Alaska Anchorage Business Enterprise Institute. Expert in market, financial and operational analyses with focus on strategic planning and process improvements.

One of my most rewarding jobs was to analyze public financial markets, assist in designing strategic investment plans and implement strategies to achieve the clients’ long-term goals. Turning numbers on a page into tangible results requires not only experts but also a dedicated team. That in part drives my passion for teaching finance.  I look forward to contributing my finance background at the local level with the team at First Entrepreneur LLC. My current areas of interest are exploring the development of additional diversified capital sources for Alaska small businesses, and ways to democratize opportunities for local investing. These tools combined can create a framework that perpetuates local wealth, which is key to a healthy and robust Alaskan economy for our future generations.

The most important outcome of my education and career in accounting and financial management has been the ability to share the knowledge, experience and leadership skills that I have acquired in academic, nonprofit, and small business environments. I have used this background over the years to support the missions and passions of nonprofit and business enterprises to carry out their desires for social good and financial independence. I believe that financial administration is a foundation for success; it provides information that leads to informed decision making and the attainment of strategic goals. Experienced in establishing and maintaining accounting systems that provide critical information for the realization of strategic goals.